The Abuja Prestige chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI) has urged the Federal Government to reinforce legal and institutional measures that safeguard the rights of women and girls nationwide.
The appeal was made by the chapter’s president, Joel Uwabor, during the organisation’s March 2026 General Assembly held on Sunday to mark activities commemorating International Women’s Day.
The gathering, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” convened stakeholders, advocates, and members to discuss issues surrounding gender equality, justice, and inclusive growth.
Uwabor acknowledged progress in promoting women’s rights in Nigeria but noted that significant gaps still exist, requiring urgent and deliberate policy interventions.
He emphasised that protecting women and girls must be treated as a priority, given its direct impact on national development and societal well-being.
Highlighting the critical role of women, he stated that sustainable development would remain elusive if a large segment of the population continued to face discrimination and structural barriers.
He noted that empowering women strengthens families, communities, and ultimately the nation at large.
Uwabor further pointed out that the timing of the assembly, coinciding with International Women’s Day, offered an opportunity to assess achievements and map out strategies for deeper inclusion.
He stressed the need to improve access to justice, particularly for vulnerable women who often struggle to seek redress due to weak enforcement of existing laws.
According to him, it is not enough to enact laws; their implementation must be effective to ensure real protection for women and girls.
He also urged state governments yet to adopt or reinforce gender-protection laws to act swiftly.
Uwabor observed that existing societal structures frequently limit women’s opportunities, calling for deliberate efforts to create a more equitable environment where women can thrive.
He further advocated strict accountability for perpetrators of gender-based offences, noting that visible justice would help deter future violations.
Encouraging women to remain determined and proactive, he urged them to seize opportunities, build capacity, and assert their place in society.
He added that women should continue to break barriers and excel in areas where they have historically been underrepresented.
Speaking at the event, Joyce Lawrence, a member of the JCI Senate Caucus, said the organisation remains deeply concerned about the challenges facing women in Nigeria.
She described International Women’s Day as an important platform for reflection, advocacy, and renewed commitment to gender equality.
Lawrence noted that while discussions around women’s issues are ongoing, more concrete action is needed to close existing gaps.
She highlighted the importance of investing in education, skills development, and economic opportunities for women, noting that such efforts have far-reaching benefits for families and communities.
She added that economic empowerment also improves access to healthcare and overall living standards.
In her remarks, Irene Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, encouraged JCI to intensify its advocacy and take a more active role in advancing women’s participation in politics.
Ikyegh, who delivered the keynote address, said youth-driven organisations are well-positioned to influence policy and shape national conversations.
She stressed that greater representation of women in governance is essential for balanced and inclusive decision-making.
She added that JCI’s commitment to justice and equality aligns with broader efforts to build a fair society.
Ikyegh urged stakeholders to move beyond advocacy and ensure that commitments to gender equality result in measurable progress.
The event also featured the induction of five new members and recognition awards presented to outstanding contributors within the organisation.
JCI remains a global network of young individuals committed to driving positive change through leadership, community engagement, and impactful initiatives.